There is no home test to check for aminopyralid contamination, and even professional tests struggle; partly as residues too small to measure may still affect crops, and partly because traces of aminopyralid may be highly localised, and damage will only become apparent once a plant’s roots reach the affected matter. Unfortunately, this means that you will only become aware of aminopyralid contamination once your plants are already affected.
The damage caused by aminopyralid, and other similar hormone-based chemicals (such as clopyralid and picloram) is very distinctive, but only once you know what you are looking for!
Aminopyralid causes leaves to cup or curl upwards; it can also cause leaves to ‘bubble’ and sometimes in extreme cases the top growth resembles fronds. It can also cause plants to develop extra side-shoots, but conversely it may also stunt growth. It may cause failed germination, and in the case of legumes may cause plants to flower, but not bear fruit.
The following photos of aminopyralid-damaged crops are provided courtesy of our friends at Green Lane Allotments in Wakefield. We are aware that Bubbleshare is sometimes a little slow - please bear with it!
For comparison, we also include a photo of ‘text-book’ damage, used in Dow’s own sales literature. As you can see, the damage is extremely similar:
If the damage to your crops does not appear similar to the above photographs, it is probable that the damage has been caused by something else. Please note we are unable to identify the cause of damage for you.
Remember that aminopyralid does not affect all crops - if less susceptible crops such as brassicas have been planted, aminopyralid may still be present, undetected, in your soil, compost or manure. It is therefore important to remain vigilant each time you plant a new crop.